Veronica Lazo, a young industrial designer along with other designer was tasked to create two chairs for Pope Francis which will be used by the Roman Catholic leader during his five-day official visit to the Philippines. The young industrial designer was tasked by furniture maker Nick de Lange to create the chairs and her design was also chosen by the officials from Vatican.
The Pope Francis chairs designed by Veronica Lazo was first reported by CoconutsManila and since then the article went viral on social media. During an interview, Veronica Lazo could barely contain her excitement as she plays a part in the historic visit of Pope Francis.
Aside from Veronica Lazo, furniture maker Nick de Lange sought the help of his friends to execute the designs of Lazo. The Betis Crafts of Pampanga did the solihiya weaving while the Papal crest was done in Iloilo by a group called WUTHLE (Women United Through Handcrafted Lace and Embroidery), under the supervision of Sisters Gemma Abellana and Inday Mendres.
According to Veronica Lazo, she, De Lange and their colleagues are thrilled to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience of serving the Pope and showcasing their ingenuity through their handricrafts. The two chairs created by de Lange and company were already shipped to Tacloban.
One of the chair will be used by Pope Francis during an open-air mass in Tacloban City airport. Pope Francis will also used a chair designed and made by Filipinos during his gathering with families at the Mall of Asia Arena, his visit to the University of Sto. Tomas and the highly anticipated mass at the Quirino Grandstand this coming Sunday.
